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EMISSIONS: VIEWPOINT
As every segment of the industry seeks to manage emissions output, one question is how data and artificial intelligence can be harnessed to improve sustainability and governance in ports. David Yeo of Innovez One considers the options of a digital approach to port sustainability
SMART SOLUTIONS
David Yeo Chief Executive and Founder, Innovez One
Out of sight, but no longer out of mind – as global supply chains strive to decarbonise, ports are under more scrutiny than ever before. To address the formidable challenge of curbing their own emissions and helping visiting ships reduce theirs, ports need a helping hand from deep tech, algorithms and artificial intelligence. In March 2021, the world awakened to the vital importance of shipping in a dramatic way, when a giant cargo ship stranded in the Suez Canal threatened to bring much of international trade to a halt. Since then, supply chains have remained steadily in the global spotlight due to ongoing congestion that continues to cause severe backlogs and delays for retailers and manufacturers around the world. For customers, governments and business leaders, shortages and empty shelves are a stark reminder of the importance of shipping, which transports 90% of the world’s trade. In the past few months, shipping and
ports have also been subjected to greater attention and scrutiny for the role they can play in helping the world achieve its decarbonisation ambitions. The latest United Nations’ climate change conference (COP26) was a pivotal moment for maritime transport, which was an integral part of climate talks for the first time ever. More than 130 countries have now set or are considering a target of reducing emissions to net zero by mid-century – and as national governments are stepping up with more ambitious targets on climate change, there is also a growing recognition that maritime transport, including ports, must be part of the solution.
SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING RELIES ON SMART PORTS
One of the main maritime outcomes of COP26 was the Clydebank Declaration for clean shipping corridors, in which more than 20 countries, including the US, Japan, Australia and Canada, pledged to develop zero-emission shipping routes between selected port hubs in the next decade. This
C L E A N S H I P P I N G INTERNATIONAL – Spring 2022
